President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 35%, marking a significant decline since the start of his second term in January 2025, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The drop in support comes amid rising gasoline prices and economic concerns, which have fueled discontent among Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.
Core Facts & Developments
Approval Rating Decline: Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 35%, down from 47% at the beginning of his term, with only 47% of Republicans approving of his handling of the cost of living. The poll, conducted online with 1,271 adults, has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
GOP Concerns: Republican strategists and allies express growing anxiety over Trump’s sagging approval ratings, warning that sustained low numbers could lead to significant losses in the midterm elections. A New York Times/Siena College poll also showed Trump’s approval at 37%, with 59% disapproving.
Deeper Dive & Context
Economic and Foreign Policy Pressures
The decline in Trump’s approval is largely attributed to rising gasoline prices, which have surged by 50% since February following U.S. strikes on Iran. The war has disrupted global oil trade, exacerbating economic concerns among voters. Republicans, who campaigned on economic stability and affordability, now face backlash as inflation and living costs remain high.
Republican Strategy and Response
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a key GOP strategist, suggests that Trump has until July 4 to address gasoline prices and stabilize the economic narrative before shifting into full campaign mode. Gingrich also emphasizes the need for Trump to address the Iranian nuclear program to shift focus away from domestic economic woes. However, some Republicans remain skeptical about Trump’s ability to turn the tide before the midterms.
Polling Data and Midterm Implications
The Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that 21% of Republicans now disapprove of Trump’s performance, a sharp increase from 5% at the start of his term. The New York Times/Siena poll further underscores the decline, showing a 3-point drop in approval since the previous survey. Republican strategists warn that if Trump’s approval remains in the low 30s by November, the GOP could face substantial losses in both the House and Senate.
Diverse Perspectives
While some Republicans express optimism about potential recovery, others acknowledge the challenging environment. Kevin Madden, a veteran Republican strategist, notes that key indicators like presidential approval and consumer sentiment are flashing warning signs for the GOP. Meanwhile, Trump allies argue that there is still time to shift the narrative before the elections.